The Met Office has issued a red extreme heat warning across parts of the UK, with temperatures forecast to reach the high 30s. For dog owners, this isn't just uncomfortable - it can be genuinely dangerous. Dogs overheat far more easily than people, and heatstroke can set in quickly.
Here's a quick, practical guide to keeping your dog safe, cool and comfortable until the heat passes.
Why dogs struggle in extreme heat
Dogs can't cool down the way we do. They release heat mainly through panting and a small amount through their paw pads, rather than sweating across their skin. This makes it much harder for them to regulate their body temperature once conditions turn extreme. Flat-faced breeds, puppies, senior dogs and those carrying extra weight are all at higher risk during a heatwave.
Signs of heatstroke in dogs
Knowing the early signs of heatstroke in dogs means you can act before things become serious. Watch out for:
- Heavy or laboured panting
- Excessive drooling
- Lethargy or weakness
- Disorientation or wobbliness
- A rapid heart rate
- Vomiting or loose stools
If you notice any of these, move your dog out of the heat immediately and begin cooling them down.
Walking your dog safely during a heatwave
- Stick to early mornings or late evenings, when pavements and air temperatures are at their lowest
- Press the back of your hand to the pavement for five seconds — if it's too hot for you, it's too hot for their paws
- Carry water for both of you, and take regular shaded breaks
- On red warning days, a shorter walk or a quiet garden play session is the safer choice
Cooling your dog down the right way
If your dog does start to overheat, cool first, get to the vet second:
- Move them into shade or a cool, ventilated room straight away
- Offer small amounts of cool (not ice-cold) water
- Use a fan, a cooling mat or a paddling pool to help bring their temperature down
- Avoid placing a wet towel directly over their body — this can trap heat rather than release it. A damp towel underneath them, re-wetted regularly, is far more effective
- If symptoms don't improve quickly, contact your vet — heatstroke can escalate fast
Keeping your dog hydrated
Dogs can become dehydrated quickly in extreme heat, so water access matters as much as shade does:
- Leave water bowls in several shaded spots around the house and garden, not just the kitchen
- Top up and refresh water more often than usual - warm, stagnant water is less appealing
- If your dog's gone off drinking, try ice cubes in their bowl or a splash of water mixed into their food
- A paddling pool or damp towel to lie on can help with passive cooling between drinks
Keeping mealtimes simple when it's too hot to think
Heatwaves throw routines off. Appetites dip, exercise drops, and it's easy to lose track of how much your dog is actually eating - which matters, since extra weight makes it harder for dogs to regulate their temperature in hot conditions.
This is exactly the kind of week where pre-portioned meals earn their keep. With each day's food already measured out, there's no second-guessing portions when you're focused on simply keeping your dog cool and comfortable. It's a small piece of foundational nutrition that takes one thing off your plate during an already stressful week.
Shop Caboodle's pre-portioned meal plans →
Happy, healthier for longer
Quick questions, answered
How hot is too hot for a dog walk? If the pavement's too hot for the back of your hand, it's too hot for paws. On red warning days, stick to early mornings, late evenings, or skip the walk in favour of garden time.
Can dogs get heatstroke indoors? Yes. Conservatories, parked cars and rooms with little airflow can heat up dangerously fast, even with a window cracked open. Never leave a dog in a parked car during a heatwave.
What should I do if I think my dog has heatstroke? Move them into shade or indoors, offer cool water, and use a fan or a damp towel placed underneath them — not over them — while you call your vet for guidance.
